Internship Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Detroit, MI

Position Summary

The Performance Engineer Intern is an entry-level developmental position designed for a motivated individual interested in engineering, aerospace, propulsion, testing, and data analysis. The intern will work directly under the Senior Performance Engineer, providing hands-on support for engineering testing, data collection, analysis, documentation, and continuous improvement activities associated with TDI's small turbine engine products.

This position is intended to provide meaningful exposure to a professional aerospace and defense engineering environment while maintaining appropriate supervision and work scope for an intern. The intern will learn how engineering requirements, testing, data, and disciplined problem solving are used to evaluate and improve product performance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Senior Performance Engineer, the Performance Engineer Intern will:

• Assist with the collection, organization, review, and documentation of engine and component test data.
• Support preparation of test plans, test documentation, data sheets, and engineering reports.
• Assist with entering and organizing test results in approved engineering systems, spreadsheets, databases, and templates.
• Develop basic charts, graphs, tables, and summaries to help engineers evaluate performance trends.
• Compare test results against established requirements, specifications, or historical data as directed by the Senior Performance Engineer.
• Assist with basic calculations and data analysis related to engine performance.
• Support review and organization of parameters such as speed, temperature, pressure, fuel flow, thrust, vibration, and other applicable performance measurements.
• Observe engine testing and assist with pre-test and post-test activities when permitted and appropriately supervised.
• Assist with verification that test instrumentation, documentation, and data collection requirements are ready prior to testing.
• Help maintain organized engineering records, test data, and lessons learned.
• Support basic troubleshooting and problem-solving activities by gathering information and documenting observations.
• Participate in engineering meetings, design reviews, test reviews, and continuous improvement activities as appropriate.
• Assist the Senior Performance Engineer with special projects, research, and engineering assignments.
• Learn and follow TDI engineering, configuration management, quality, safety, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of TDI, customer, and program information.
• Perform other engineering support activities appropriate for the intern's education, experience, training, and authorized work scope.

Learning & Development Objectives

The internship is designed to develop the student's understanding of:

• Gas turbine and propulsion fundamentals
• Engineering test methods
• Test instrumentation and data acquisition
• Engineering data analysis
• Excel and engineering analytical tools
• Technical documentation
• Basic statistical analysis
• Root cause and structured problem solving
• Configuration management and engineering change control
• Product development and qualification testing
• Manufacturing and quality systems
• Aerospace and defense industry standards
• Engineering professionalism, teamwork, and communication

The Senior Performance Engineer will provide assignments of increasing complexity as the intern demonstrates competency, maturity, and understanding of applicable safety and technical requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong interest in pursuing engineering, aerospace, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or another technical field.
• Successful completion or current enrollment in advanced mathematics, physics, engineering, robotics, CAD, programming, or other STEM coursework preferred.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability and willingness to learn technical software and engineering tools.
• Strong mathematical and analytical aptitude.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate professionally with engineers, technicians, production personnel, and other team members.
• Demonstrated dependability, curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle controlled or proprietary information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Participation in robotics, FIRST Robotics, engineering clubs, STEM programs, automotive programs, machining, electronics, programming, or similar activities.
• Exposure to CAD, MATLAB, Python, data acquisition, Excel analysis, or other technical software.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in engines, propulsion systems, aviation, or manufacturing.
• Interest in pursuing an engineering degree 

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, test cell, and manufacturing environments
• Frequent interaction with test hardware and data systems
• May require extended hours during test campaigns or anomaly resolution
• Ability to walk test areas and production floors
• May be required to lift materials, components, or equipment up to 50 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-20% as required to support test activities or customer reviews

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.   THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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